The festive Premier League schedule delivers a fascinating encounter this Sunday as newly-promoted Sunderland host Leeds United at the Stadium of Light. Both sides have made impressive returns to the top flight, setting the stage for a compelling 2pm kick-off, broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event.
Season Form and Betting Preview
Sunderland have been the standout surprise package of the campaign. Initially tipped for an immediate return to the Championship by many bookmakers, Regis Le Bris's side have confounded expectations. They currently sit sixth in the table with an impressive 27 points from their opening 17 matches. Their notable scalps already include victories over Chelsea, Bournemouth, and rivals Newcastle, alongside creditable draws against Aston Villa, Arsenal, and Liverpool.
Leeds United, under Daniel Farke, have found life more challenging but head into this match in positive form. They are unbeaten in their last four outings, a run that has opened a six-point cushion above the relegation zone. During that spell, they have scored 11 goals, beating Chelsea and Crystal Palace while drawing with Liverpool and Brentford. Their improved performances have seen their relegation odds drift to 9/2 with leading football betting sites.
Head-to-Head and Key Stats
The dynamic between these clubs was vastly different in the Championship last season. Leeds dominated the division, amassing 100 points, while Sunderland finished fourth, 24 points adrift, before securing promotion through the play-offs. Leeds took four points from their two meetings last term, drawing 2-2 at the Stadium of Light before a 2-1 home win courtesy of a Pascal Struijk brace.
Sunderland's home form has been a cornerstone of their success. They remain unbeaten at the Stadium of Light this season, boasting five wins and three draws from eight games. This formidable record makes them marginal favourites with bookmakers. Goals have been a feature for both sides, with both teams scoring in five of Sunderland's last nine matches, while Leeds have netted three against Chelsea and Liverpool and four against Palace recently.
Expert Betting Tips and Predictions
Our first recommended bet for this clash is Sunderland to win and both teams to score at 9/2 with William Hill. This reflects the Black Cats' strong home advantage and Leeds' recent potency in front of goal.
The second tip focuses on individual brilliance. Dominic Calvert-Lewin to score at any time is priced at 11/5 with BetMGM. The Leeds striker is in excellent form, with six goals in his last five appearances, contributing to eight points for his side. Since his summer free transfer from Everton, he has seven goals in 16 games—already surpassing his total from last season. His recent double against Crystal Palace was his first in the Premier League since November 2020, and he will be eager to continue this rich vein of form.
Team News and Predicted Line-ups
Sunderland will be without the suspended Luke O'Nien. They also have several players away at the Africa Cup of Nations: Chemsdine Talbi, Noah Sadiki, Arthur Masuaku, Bertrand Traore, Reinildo, and Habib Diarra.
Leeds are hopeful Lucas Nmecha can recover from a hamstring injury in time, but Dan James and Sean Longstaff remain unavailable.
Predicted Sunderland XI: Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Hume; Xhaka, Geertruida; Rigg, Le Fee, Adingra; Brobbey.
Predicted Leeds XI: Perri; Rodon, Struijk, Bijol; Bogle, Aaronson, Stach, Gudmundsson; Okafor, Calvert-Lewin.
Exclusive Free Bet Offer
New customers can take advantage of TalkSport Bet's festive Christmas Cracker offer to get £50 in football free bets. To qualify, register via the promotional link, opt-in, and place a £10 wager on any Sunderland vs Leeds selection at evens or greater within three days of signing up. Once the bet settles, £50 in free bets will be credited with no wagering requirements on any profits. The free bets must be used within seven days.
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